Why Glock?

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It has been said that the Glock 19 is the most popular handgun in the world. I’m not sure if that is true but it is the most popular handgun in the US. Is it due to advertising? Or pricing and promotions? These things may have something to do with it, but if the product did not stand the test of time, it would not keep selling.
Look at how many different polymer frame guns have been put on the market to compete with Glocks. And look how many have fallen short.
Now I’m a big fan of the S&W M&P pistols. I don’t understand how they don’t sell as good as Glocks.
I own an M&P45 and a M&P9, l like the more then my Glocks and plan to buy a M&P9 2.0 soon.


How long will Glock remain at the top of the food chain? I don’t know, but it will be as soon as someone comes out with something better and in the same price range.
What are you all and everyone who keeps spreading the "Glock out sells everyone else" and "Glock is the most carried fires in the U.S." gossip getting your info? What makes you believe that M&Ps aren't selling as well as Glocks? Is it just something that has been repeated so much that everyone just has accepted it as fact without question?

Sig Sauer is the U.S. largest exporter of firearms. S&W is the largest U.S. manufacturer of handguns producing over 2 million annually. Ruger's right behind S&W. Ruger is the second largest U.S. handgun manufacturer and the largest U.S. firearm manufacture in general if you include their rifle sales. That is, both S&W and Ruger put out more handguns per year than Glock imports and manufactures in the U.S. Sig Sauer both manufactures more firearms and exports more in the U.S. than Glock does... 65% of L.E. in the U.S. are issued Glocks, so that leads me to believe that a large chunk of the handguns imported by Glock are more so carried and chosen by L.E. than civilians. With that said, I find it hard to believe that the Glock 19 is the most carried handgun by civilians... I seriously doubt that any G19 sized gun is the most sold, most popular, or most carried handgun in this day and age.. I'd wager that more people carry the M&P Shield than the Glock 19...

IMHO, Glocks popularity with L.E., competitors, instructors, and the small demographic of gun enthusiast who own a dozens or so firearms , etc is giving the false impression that Glock is generally more dominate than it is and other companies are farther behind than they are... It's those in the aforementioned demographic who frequent internet forums, start YouTube channels, teach firearms classes, etc, but they do not necessary a representation of all gun owners in the U.S IMHO...
 
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What are you all and everyone who keeps spreading the "Glock out sells everyone else" and "Glock is the most carried fires in the U.S." gossip? What makes you believe that M&Ps aren't selling as well as Glocks? Is it just something that has been repeated so much that everyone just has accepted it as fact without question?

Sig Sauer is the U.S. largest exporter of firearms. S&W if the largest U.S. manufacturer of handguns producing over 2 million annually. Ruger's right behind S&W. Ruger is the second largest U.S. handgun manufacturer and the largest U.S. firearm manufacture in general if you include their rifle sales. That is, both S&W and Ruger put out more handguns per year than Glock imports and manufactures in the U.S. Sig Sauer both manufactures more firearms and exports more in the U.S. than Glock does... 65% of L.E. in the U.S. are issued Glocks, so that leads me to believe that a large chunk of the handguns imported by Glock are more so carried and chosen by L.E. than civilians. With that said, I find it hard to believe that the Glock 19 is the most carried handgun civilians... I seriously doubt that any G19 sized gun is the most sold, most popular, or most carried handgun in this day and age.. I'd wager that more people carry the M&P Shield than the Glock 19...

Please cite where you found your export/import numbers. I've seen the domestic manufacturing numbers.
 
Please cite where you found your export/import numbers. I've seen the domestic manufacturing numbers.

This page and other sources state that Glock only imported approx 1.2 million in 2017. Glocks domestic numbers combined with their import numbers are less than both S&W and Ruger.

Here too, and many others..

U.S. Firearms Industry 2018

Can anyone who is saying Glocks in general and the Glock 19 specifically is the most carried firearm in the country (excluding law enforcement). Can anyone cite their sources that shows Glock out sales S&W and Ruger domestically?
 
65% of L.E. in the U.S. are issued Glocks,
This is another Glock propaganda, adjusted and repeated enough to be taken for fact.
The real fact is Glock is approved for 65% of LEO so if Radiator Spring's sheriff can carry anything he wants that counts in Gaston's 65% even though the sheriff carries a 1911. I would be surprised if Glocks actually occupy 20% of LEO holsters.
 
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This page and other sources state that Glock only imported approx 1.2 million in 2017. Glocks domestic numbers combined with their import numbers are less than both S&W and Ruger.

Here too, and many others..

U.S. Firearms Industry 2018

Can anyone who is saying Glocks in general and the Glock 19 specifically is the most carried firearm in the country (excluding law enforcement). Can anyone cite their sources that shows Glock out sales S&W and Ruger domestically?

Thank you!
 
This is Glock propaganda, adjusted and repeated enough to be taken for fact.
The real fact is Glock is approved for 65% of LEO so if Radiator Spring's sheriff can carry anything he wants that counts in Gaston's 65% even though the sheriff carries a 1911. I would be surprised if Glocks actually occupy 20% of LEO holsters.
It's all propaganda. Funny how, being a private company, Glock does not disclose their sales numbers, yet somehow someway everyone is claiming that Glock is way above everyone else in sales. That all other firearm companies are far behind, are playing catch up, and aren't selling as well as Glock... What are they basing this on? Perception instead of facts? When Glock was forced to disclose their number as a result of a lawsuit, it's clear that S&W and Ruger out sells Glock...
 
Why is Glock so popular is like asking why Bruce Lee is so popular.

As I have stated in my post..its the unique combination of things:

Bruce Lee arrived in the US when martial arts (we heard of karate..but not so much of Kung Fu) were just starting to make inroads in our culture. Glock came into the picture when semiautos were starting to gain popularity.

Bruce Lee in his own right was a superb fighter. Glock is arguably one of the most reliable of pistols.

Bruce had the movie thing going. In fact, he may have started the modern martial art film genre. Glock has the movie thing going as well.

Bruce had the physique. He helped popularize the ripped with muscles look. He looked like he could fight.
Glock may not be pretty...but it sure looks like all business.

Bruce introduced to the masses a unique a new perspective with regards to combat: absorb what is useful, discard the rest. keep fighting simple. Maybe not the first...but sure made the concept popular.

Glock helped introducedthe concept of simplicity with regards to pistols. Maybe not he first...but Glock made that concept popular.

So...my theory is...as long as Bruce Lee is popular...Glocks will be popular. Both benefitted from a unique mix of factors (some luck, some of earned virtue) that may not be replicated by another for a very long time.

Makes me wonder...if Bruce Lee made his first appearance today (2019) would he be so popular.. or just another MMA fighter?

And if Glocks made their first appearance today, would Glocks be crowded out in the gun market?

For the record...I think Glocks are superb pistols!
 
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It's all propaganda. Funny how, being a private company, Glock does not disclose their sales numbers,

Except they are in the firearms business.. So commerce in the US is tracked coming and going.


The most recent ATF report.. (2017) which includes the 2016 Import data...

They list by country instead of Manufacture. Course being firearms enthusiasts we know that Steyr is contributing some to that number from Austria, I wouldn't imagine its a whole lot. but none the less you have to account for them.

https://www.atf.gov/resource-center...tates-annual-statistical-update-2017/download


Top 10 countries to save ya a click.
Screen Shot 2019-07-02 at 12.20.36 PM.png


Their manufacturing data from the same year.
Screen Shot 2019-07-02 at 12.15.43 PM.png
 
Except they are in the firearms business.. So commerce in the US is tracked coming and going.


The most recent ATF report.. (2017) which includes the 2016 Import data...

They list by country instead of Manufacture. Course being firearms enthusiasts we know that Steyr is contributing some to that number from Austria, I wouldn't imagine its a whole lot. but none the less you have to account for them.

https://www.atf.gov/resource-center...tates-annual-statistical-update-2017/download


Top 10 countries to save ya a click.
View attachment 848478


Their manufacturing data from the same year.
View attachment 848477
Thanks for the info. Further proof that Glocks aren't out selling S&W and Ruger. Plus when you factor in that a larger percentage of handguns manufactured by S&W and Ruger are being purchased by civilians vs a larger percentage of Glocks that are being imported are being purchased by L.E. and the military. Seems to me that S&W handguns are the most popular in the U.S.
 
Thanks for the info. Further proof that Glocks aren't out selling S&W and Ruger.

Not so fast.. The numbers in my previous post, show Austria + GA manufactured 1.68m. So if we are generous and take 100k out for Steyr. You're still looking at approximately 1.58m Glocks. +/-

Here are the same year totals for S&W, Ruger (Both locations) and Sig (Both locations)

(Link to the complete file at the bottom.)
Screen Shot 2019-07-02 at 2.11.13 PM.png
Screen Shot 2019-07-02 at 2.11.37 PM.png
Screen Shot 2019-07-02 at 2.15.39 PM.png

https://www.atf.gov/file/123801/download
 
Not so fast.. The numbers in my previous post, show Austria + GA manufactured 1.68m. So if we are generous and take 100k out for Steyr. You're still looking at approximately 1.58m Glocks. +/-

Here are the same year totals for S&W, Ruger (Both locations) and Sig (Both locations)

(Link to the complete file at the bottom.)
View attachment 848488
View attachment 848489
View attachment 848490

https://www.atf.gov/file/123801/download
S&W produced 1,724,131 handguns in 2016 1.4 million pistols and the rest revolvers. With a lesser extent going to L.E. and the military. In any event, Glock is not as dominant as it seems everyone in thr gun community assumes. It was even stated in this thread that S&W M&Ps aren't selling as well as Glocks.... S&W seems to have been edging Glock out in the civilian market. I wish I could see some updated data as well as how many of the handguns Glock imports are being sold to civilians...
 
Around here, used S&W autos sell for about $100 less than the used Glocks.

Yet the used Glocks seem to sell faster than the S&W's. They dont stay on the shelves long. At least where I shop.
 
I'm not sure the perception is that Glock dominates the handgun market, but they dominate the segment of the market they compete in. I consistently see the LCP as a top-selling pistol, but Glock doesn't compete in the cheap pocket pistol market. The PMR-30 has been in the top charts for a couple years now. Again, Glock doesn't sell a .22WMR pistol. Ruger makes and sells a lot of single-action revolvers that don't compete with Glock.

So where I see Glock having dominant market share is compared to its direct competitors: M&P, Shield, P365, P320, CZ P09, P10, FN509, VP9, XD, PPQ, Security 9, APX, etc. Whether that's a myth or not, I don't know.

Clearly, Glock is not the largest handgun maker or the one that produces the most handguns. It's a relatively small company and they basically only make one type of product. Competitors like CZ, S&W and Ruger are more than twice their size by some metrics. FN is even bigger.
 
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This thread is as good as an example of confirmation bias as one will ever see on the internet.

Why Ford 150?

Why T-bone steak?

Why rain in Washington state?

<yawn>
 
This thread is as good as an example of confirmation bias as one will ever see on the internet.

Why Ford 150?

Why T-bone steak?

Why rain in Washington state?



I’m not sure I understand, but I will try.

Why Ford F150? I’m not sure, I have had two Fords, two Chevys, one GMC. I now drive a Chevy. Best deal GMS.

Why T-Bone steak? I don’t know, I’m more of a rib-eye guy myself. But if you offer me a T-Bone, I will say thanks and enjoy it.

Why rain in Washington state? Its just the worlds way or trying to wash away all the progressive liberals.
 
I’m not sure I understand, but I will try.
Nope you totally missed the point. Confirmation bias is where you draw a conclusion ie. Glocks are more popular for LEO than EVERYTHING ELSE COMBINED then try to point at data and say it supports your conclusion.
When the reality is the production numbers just dont support the conclusion.
Here's some pretty easy mental math for you G fanboys if Glock really has 65% of the LEO market and yet produces less than 1/2 the guns that just Smith and Ruger produce what's their civilian market share like 5% lol
 
Here's some pretty easy mental math for you G fanboys if Glock really has 65% of the LEO market and yet produces less than 1/2 the guns that just Smith and Ruger produce what's their civilian market share like 5% lol

You may want to go back and check the production AND import figures.

How often do PDs replace firearms, what is the officer turnover, how many new guns does a LE Dept actually buy a year? How many Smith and Wesson and Ruger guns produced are revolvers?

Not quite as easy mental math.
 
I'm not sure the perception is that Glock dominates the handgun market, but they dominate the segment of the market they compete in. I consistently see the LCP as a top-selling pistol, but Glock doesn't compete in the cheap pocket pistol market. The PMR-30 has been in the top charts for a couple years now. Again, Glock doesn't sell a .22WMR pistol. Ruger makes and sells a lot of single-action revolvers that don't compete with Glock.

So where I see Glock having dominant market share is compared to its direct competitors: M&P, Shield, P365, P320, CZ P09, P10, FN509, VP9, XD, PPQ, Security 9, APX, etc. Whether that's a myth or not, I don't know.

Clearly, Glock is not the largest handgun maker or the one that produces the most handguns. It's a relatively small company and they basically only make one type of product. Competitors like CZ, S&W and Ruger are more than twice their size by some metrics. FN is even bigger.
I find it hard to believe that either the G26 or G43 is out selling the M&P Shield.
 
I find it hard to believe that either the G26 or G43 is out selling the M&P Shield.
Or the SIG P-365, the Ruger LC9s, the Walther PPS, the Kel Tec PF9, the Springfield Armory XDs, and yes, even the mini Taurus offerings …

And the folks that try to validate their preference by alluding to what they perceive sells the fastest or the most in their local gun shops … well, just further examples of confirmation bias.
 
How often do PDs replace firearms, what is the officer turnover, how many new guns does a LE Dept actually buy a year?
LOL pretty sure they all make guns every year and every year Smith and Ruger alone out produce Glock.
How many Smith and Wesson and Ruger guns produced are revolvers?
Well according to the data about 20% but I'm sure with the koolaid bias you'll ignore the fact that Sig, Springfield, HK, Beretta and Walther that dont make any revolvers more than make up for that.
 
LOL pretty sure they all make guns every year and every year Smith and Ruger alone out produce Glock.

Then you should be able to point out the numbers where this is the case easily. But be sure to include imports from Austria, as the linked articles clearly show them bringing in 1.2 mil a year.

to the data about 20% but I'm sure with the koolaid bias you'll ignore the fact that Sig, Springfield, HK, Beretta and Walther that dont make any revolvers more than make up for that.

Lol. I'm a 1911 guy. Keep lobbing accusations of bias though, really helps your arguments
 
Or the SIG P-365, the Ruger LC9s, the Walther PPS, the Kel Tec PF9, the Springfield Armory XDs, and yes, even the mini Taurus offerings …

And the folks that try to validate their preference by alluding to what they perceive sells the fastest or the most in their local gun shops … well, just further examples of confirmation bias.

If we look on an annual basis, new guns are going to outsell most everything else. The first year, the P365 was a blockbuster. Certainly, it outsold the G43 that year and probably the next. The same is true for the Shield 2.0. I haven't analyzed all the available data. But just going buy top-selling handguns of 2018 or 2017 lists, its apparent Glock hasn't had a #1 because they don't really have anything new.

This is what Glock fans think of new Glock models:

 
If we look on an annual basis, new guns are going to outsell most everything else. The first year, the P365 was a blockbuster. Certainly, it outsold the G43 that year and probably the next. The same is true for the Shield 2.0. I haven't analyzed all the available data. But just going buy top-selling handguns of 2018 or 2017 lists, its apparent Glock hasn't had a #1 because they don't really have anything new.

This is what Glock fans think of new Glock models:



Serious question. What was new about the Shield 2.0? Just trigger pull? Or did they change the size like the M&P Compact 2.0
 
I don't know. The slides and grips look different, similar to the changes on the M&P 9 from the original to 2.0. Maybe it's nothing to get excited about, but I believe they sold and are selling a lot of them. It was #5 on American Rifleman's list. G43 was #6. Motley Fool ranked it #3 with only the P365 and PMR30 beating it. I'm not trying to claim the Shield's great newness, just that it outsold the G43 it competes with, but possibly only the year it was introduced because a lot of people already have a G43 but they didn't have a P365 or Shield 2.0.
 
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